Can stores not accept cash for purchase of a product and only accept debit and credit cards?

Its is illegal to not except legal US currency.

Probably. Maybe they aren't set up to process cash. But if they take credit and debit cards, seems they should be able to do cash as well.

Since cash is 'legal tender,' I think stores that refuse to accept it would violate the law.

Read what it says on the paper money: This note is legal tender for all debts, public and private. The store is bound to accept cash. No one, however, is bound to make change.

It is completely legal for stores to refuse to accept any sort of payment for their services. Creditors must accept bills as legal payment, but that's different than someone you are purchasing from. Apple is being stupid, but it is completely within their rights to refuse cash.

Nope, that is illegal. If a seller refuses cash, then you can keep the item free of charge. Look it up.

Go to a National City Bank. Have it personalized with your name. It takes about a week or more to get the card. Then register or activate online. Take it to the apple store and use it. You may be able to have the word "gift card" removed. There are fees for the gift card. I though iphone require a credit card for use anyways?

You can go to Bank of America or Citigroup and open a bank account and they will give you a Visa Debit Card and you can use it to buy the iPhone and then you can close the bank account. Also, I can sell you a Visa Debit Card for just $5.00 USD and you can use that too.

suppose a store could do that... but it makes no sense...